Report: Ezekiel Elliott hungry for contract extension, what it could look like

Carried by the legs of Ezekiel Elliott, the team has successfully made the NFC wild card game for the second time in three seasons. Saturday night, the Cowboys will look for Elliott to carry the team into the next round of the playoffs. Whenever the team’s postseason run concludes, Ezekiel Elliott reportedly would like to discuss his long-term future with the organization:

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 23-year old All-Pro running back would like to discuss a contract extension with the team.

“My understanding is that Ezekiel Elliott does in fact want that contract extension. Wants one that is much deserved, of course, considering the dynamic force he’s been in the Cowboys’ offense. He wants it this offseason, not next offseason, not the offseason after.”

Elliott has the ability to renegotiate his contract with the team after his third professional season. As a first-round pick, Dallas will have the opportunity to place the fifth-year option on Elliott this offseason, locking him in through the 2020 season.

The reasoning behind Elliott’s desired contract security is understandable. As a star at one of the league’s more physically demanding positions, Elliott would like to receive fair compensation for his work. Elliott has been a workhorse for the team since walking across the draft stage in a Dallas Cowboys hat.

Jon Durr/Getty Images

Through three seasons, Elliott has led the league in rushing twice. He very well should’ve made it a clean sweep, if it weren’t for his off-the-field drama last season. Those days are seemingly behind the running back.

In his third season, Elliott has taken on a leadership role for the team, and has racked up the highest usage of his professional career.

During the 2018 regular season Elliott accumulated 2,001 yards from scrimmage on an astounding 381 touches. Those numbers are impressive but what’s scary is Elliott sat out week 17, and started the season sluggish as the sole playmaker on offense.

If he was gifted a healthy offensive line for as full season, and had a playmaker like Amari Cooper on offense all season, Elliott very well may have broken some records. The addition of Amari Cooper opened up running lanes for Elliott. Now, the star running back will look for the Cowboys to open up their wallets to keep the leading rusher in silver and blue.

After seeing Todd Gurley and David Johnson sign big-money deals prior to the season, Elliott would likely like to join the list of highest-paid running backs.